Leonard Clifton

Leonard Clifton – Author, Cultural Preservationist & Speaker

Leonard Clifton is the acclaimed author of The Last Prince of Atlantis Chronicles, an Afrofuturist fantasy-adventure series featured in the Africana Studies curriculum at California State University, Northridge. His work has received five-star reviews and recognition in major writing competitions, including quarterfinalist honors in the ScreenCraft Cinematic Book Competition, semifinalist status in the America’s Next Great Author television pilot competition, and ranking among the top 1% of more than 67,000 book and manuscript projects.

A celebrated speaker, Leonard has lectured on literature, creativity, cultural heritage, travel, and brand marketing at institutions including UCLA Anderson School of Management, American Jewish University, and California State University, Northridge.

His contributions to film and cultural history are preserved within major institutions. Leonard’s Amistad artifacts—including an original chain prop and a DreamWorks production still from Steven Spielberg and Debbie Allen’s Amistad—were officially accessioned into the permanent collection of the California African American Museum. He was also added to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Margaret Herrick Library through his donation of rare Amistad production stills photographed by Andrew Cooper, helping ensure materials connected to this landmark story of the African diaspora remain accessible to scholars, researchers, students, and future generations.

Leonard’s preservation work also extend to United States Marine Corps history. Archival materials connected to the Department of Defense and Naval Health Research Center-produced U.S. Marine Corps SOI tobacco-cessation PSA, in which he served as the lead civilian actor, were officially accepted in 2026 following approval by the Commanding General through the Marine Corps History Division. Filmed at Camp Pendleton during the post-9/11 era, the PSA represents another intersection of Leonard’s performance career and his commitment to safeguarding Black American, military, entertainment, and cultural history for future generations.

Leonard’s literary brand has also achieved significant visibility across social media. A widely viewed interaction with Michael B. Jordan featuring The Last Prince of Atlantis Chronicles: Book I and Leonard Clifton’s World Travel Guide for Inspirational Writing generated more than 359,000 combined views across Instagram and TikTok, including more than 272,000 Instagram views and 87,000 TikTok views. The Instagram Reel alone reached more than 183,000 accounts, expanding the visibility of Leonard’s books and creative work to a broad digital audience.

Leonard’s work and creative philosophy have been featured in interviews with Ryan Seacrest on KISS FM, KPFK Radio Los Angeles, and The Discovery Pod with Eve. Renowned for his dynamic storytelling and cultural vision, he continues to build a body of work spanning literature, film, education, travel, and cultural preservation.

His creative journey began as a model and actor, appearing in commercials, music videos, television, and feature films, including Steven Spielberg’s Amistad and the cult classic Bring It On. A passionate world traveler, Leonard has explored five continents and draws inspiration from global history, mythology, landscape, and cultures—infusing his narratives with rich world-building and reimagined visions of the African diaspora.